Definitions

rainbow

[rayn-boh] / ˈreɪnˌboʊ /

NOUN

color spectrum

Synonyms

STRONG

arc bow crescent curve prism variegation

WEAK

band of color

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name for rainbow?

Literally speaking, a rainbow is an arc (bow) of colors that appears in the sky due to rays of sunshine being reflected and refracted by raindrops (or other water droplets). The word rainbow is also commonly used to refer to any artistic representations of this. Technically speaking, a rainbow can be classified as a primary rainbow or a secondary rainbow. Together, they can form a double rainbow. Triple rainbows are very rare. Rainbow is also commonly used as an adjective that means containing all or many colors of the spectrum (the main ones being red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—aka roygbiv). Synonyms of this sense include multicolored (or multicolor), kaleidoscopic, and prismatic. Kaleidoscopic suggests something full of bright colors in a way that’s reminiscent of the images seen when looking through a kaleidoscope. Prismatic is a reference to the rainbow-colored when light shines through a prism. Extended from this is a more general sense of rainbow that’s applied to anything featuring a diverse collection of people or things, as in rainbow coalition. Rainbows and rainbow flags are popularly used as symbols of the LGBTQ+ community.

What is another way to say sunshine and rainbows?

Sunshine and rainbows is an idiom used to refer a situation that’s completely positive in all aspects. The phrase is most often used in negative constructions to imply that such situations are rare or impossible (and that it’s naive to think that they’re not), as in Marriage is not all sunshine and rainbows. Phrases used to mean the same thing often use some of the same terms in varying combinations: sunshine and lollipops, unicorns and rainbows, sunshine and puppies. The phrase peaches and cream can mean the same thing, but it’s more often used in positive constructions. The phrase sweetness and light is somewhat similar, but it’s usually applied to people, as opposed to situations. Singles words that can mean the same thing are rosy and rose-colored.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

rainbow rainbows

They analyzed stellar spectra, which are produced by separating light into its component wavelengths, much as a prism divides sunlight into the colors of a rainbow.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026

But its leafy rainbow over the path means it is still protecting people - just slightly differently.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

"I see everything through rainbow eyes," he once told ABC.

From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026

Visitors to Hermosa Beach, Calif., were treated to a Labor Day rainbow on Monday.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

Even though they know about my eyes, the last thing I need in the dark is to bump into someone I can’t see, and spill a rainbow of tonic.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Saturday before they went to sleep, Brandon announced to Summer this was the last time she’d see him in his usual cycling jersey—that the next day, he’d be wearing the world champion’s rainbows.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

“This situation is clearly not all sunshine and rainbows, it’s cold and foggy.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

Sunny spells and showers with rainbows can often be a feature of the weather in spring.

From BBC ● Mar. 1, 2026

Soon his parents and older sister arrive from the air, trailing rainbows behind their colorful capes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 23, 2026

There were islands with little birds on them like rabbits, but their noses were rainbows.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Vocabulary lists containing rainbow

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